Have A Lot Of Worries

Magsulfate, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2009

Nursing WILL bring you many opportunities. While there are some parts of the country where new grads are having a hard time finding the job they want,,, they do eventually get a job. I'm not sure what part of the country you are in,,, but with your work history in healthcare, it should put you ahead of the other new grads.

Go for it!

AsAnatomy · Mar 28, 2009

I'm in Kentucky! And there are literally hundreds of job posting sure most say "prefer 1-2 years experience or BSN" but the jobs are out there. I think I just have jitters of making a really bad mistake. Thanks!

WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2009

I'd go ahead a finish up your RN, you've come this far right? Yeah, it might be tough getting a job as a new grad...especially in KY where contrary to popular belief has no shortage IMO. The sheer number of schools pumping out RN's being the reason. This being said, if your job history is impeccable you might not have a problem...especially if you are working as a CNA in the facility/system you are applying for an RN job at. Also, if you are willing to relocate once you graduate you have even more options. The economy should also be better once you graduate as well. There are so many options in nursing. People always think hospitals first, but schools, clinics, insurance companies all look for RN's too.

Yeah, it took me over a year to find a job as a new grad. I'm partly to blame as I wanted to specialize right away. Add my not too good of a job history and I had a lot to overcome. But, I'm proof that perserverance pays off. Don't give up finishing your degree because of the fear that there won't be a job when you graduate. There will be, just might not be exactly what you want at first.

NeoPediRN · Mar 28, 2009

I live in Massachusetts and it took me nine months to find a job with a BSN and three years of tech experience. Most hospitals in my area are on a hiring freeze and some have cut full-time to 32 hours and asked staff to take pay cuts. I finally found a job but am commuting to New Hampshire for it.

MelodyRNurse · Mar 28, 2009

There was a ton of job postings for nurses before I started nursing school. That was very encouraging, but after a few years it changed and when I graduated there were very few positions. By the time you are finished school things will probably turn around. If there aren't as many jobs available, you will just have to work much harder to get one or you may have to compromise with driving distance and/or settle for a job that would not be your first choice initially.

Jules A, MSN · Mar 28, 2009

I'm in the Balto/DC area and the jobs are plentiful here although its not as sweet as a couple of years ago where new grads were getting their dream jobs right out of school. That said in our lifetimes nursing is going to be a good career choice imo. I not nursing, what else? Seems like most professions are kind of tight right now and health care is one of the few areas that is still expanding. Good luck!

AsAnatomy · Mar 28, 2009

Thank you for all your relpies.

Jules- One thing you did say hit home a little.... "Seems like most professions are kind of tight right now and health care is one of the few areas that is still expanding".

That is sooooo very true.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 28, 2009

bottom line is if you like nursing you will be happy. you will have bad days and good days in both nursing school and as a new nurse... but overall you will be happy with your choice. btw, i am surrounded by new grads who wished to be every kind of nurse (ob, er, icu, etc.), but the type of nurse they are today. the ones who are not happy are the ones who did not actually like nursing but their odd stereotypical impression of nursing. given the opportunity become a nurse extern so you can see an even bigger picture. cnas know the work enviroment and some about patient care, but they do not know nursing because they are not nurses.

plus, like someone else wrote, getting a job will be a hard thing to do when you graduate, but if you already work for the hospital and on a floor you have a better chance of being hired upon graduation. also, being picky is a no-no unless it is very necessary. make the best of the opportunities presented in nursing school and as a new grad because there are many to find if you look deep enough! :twocents:

-new grad rn

whipping girl in 07, RN · Mar 28, 2009

I'm in the midwest. There are still plenty of nursing jobs here, especially in direct patient care. The nursing shortages vs. gluts are cyclical, as is the economy.

When I graduated seven years ago, there was a shortage in the area I was living in. But just a few years before there were too many nurses...several of my friends had trouble finding jobs when they graduated and I was just starting school.

If I were you, I'd keep on keeping on. As the population ages, we will continue to need nurses.

voraciousj · Mar 28, 2009

I'm from upstate NY (and in NYS that's anywhere north of NYC...even by 30 minutes! :chuckle) and I will graduate in June with my BSN. I have heard that it is difficult to find a job in the actual city, but I was able to get into the first hospital I applied to. It's a large hospital with a wonderful new grad residency program, so I'm thrilled. I know that my fellow classmates are all on polar opposite ends of the spectrum though. Some are waltzing right into jobs, others are being turned away from every place they apply to d/t the economy.

Good Luck, and who knows...by the time you graduate we could be bounding back from this recession!:redpinkhe

NewNurse626 · Mar 30, 2009

:nurse: Go For It!

I am in Illinois, The job market for new grads is not that great in my area. I was just hired in LTC and am looking forward to starting my career! I initially wanted to start in a hospital, but God puts us where we are supposed to be!!!

Good Luck!!!